Saurabh Bhansali joined US-based healthcare provider Humana’s corporate venturing unit last year and Busy Burr, head of Humana Health Ventures (HHV) and open innovation, said: “The secret to Saurabh’s quick impact and success at Humana is his ability to form a strong network of diverse business relationships within a highly complex organisation.
“He is known for his smarts, earnest approach and his curiosity. He is more than just the glue of our team – he is the spark that keeps us on fire.”
Bhansali a keen sports fan, added: “My role is to source and lead investments, and to take an active board-level role in HHV portfolio companies.
“Prior to HHV, I was on the investing team at HLM Venture Partners, a healthcare IT and services-focused venture capital fund whose primary limited partners are some of the largest players in the healthcare ecosystem.
“What attracted me to HHV was the opportunity to help build a sustainable corporate venture investing platform from the ground up. Now that we have set up the infrastructure and begun to build our portfolio, we have another great opportunity – to drive rapid and positive change within the healthcare system with the backing of one of the largest and most influential players in the industry.
“For example, our latest investment, Aspire Health, delivers an extra layer of palliative care support services to our Medicare Advantage members who need it most. Aspire’s new care delivery model has been incredibly well-received by those members enrolled in their services, and has led to fewer avoidable emergency room visits resulting in substantial cost and quality improvements.”
Other HHV deals have included US-based digital behavioural medicine service Omada Health, which raised a $48m series C round in September 2015 just after the corporate venturing unit was launched, Livongo, which raised $44.5m in a series C round in April last year, and US-based collaborative healthcare software developer Iora Health, which closed a $75m series D round in October.
Bhansali, who studied at Northwestern University and received his MBA from Wharton School, added: “The biggest challenge to date has been creating awareness of our team and offering within the community. Given our nascence in the investing space, we have worked hard to educate entrepreneurs and investors on our investing program and the value we can bring to the table. In 2016, we met with more than 150 startups, more than 40 venture investors, and a variety of thought leaders in the healthcare community.
“I am passionate about helping people achieve their best health. My main professional ambition is to become a key leader in the healthcare investing space. If I am able to help build great companies that are addressing the industry’s most complex issues, I can make my best contributions to transforming the system for the better and having an impact on the health of thousands – if not millions – of people.
“In addition to tracking financial metrics, I believe CVCs should also track metrics that gauge the value of their partnerships. For example, championing a portfolio company to deliver a new commercial contract or suggesting a strong talent hire can add significantly to the success of the venture.”
but having moved from the east to west coast of the US, Bhansali described himself as “still a New York boy trying to fit into my new(ish) West Coast home, so my wife and I are now hikers, campers, and skiers.
“That said, I will always find to time to fit in a game of flag football, or to cheer for my beloved Knicks and NY Giants.”